Governor Newsom announces key appointments to state boards

Governor Gavin Newsome | Official website

Governor Gavin Newsom announced several new appointments on September 24, 2024.

Steve Juarez from Truckee has been appointed to the California State Teachers’ Retirement Board. Juarez's extensive career includes roles such as Deputy State Treasurer at the California State Treasurer’s Office (2016-2018), Associate Vice President of State Government Relations for the University of California (2008-2016), and Senior Investment Banker at J.P. Morgan (2006-2008). He also served in various capacities at the J. Paul Getty Trust, University of California, Los Angeles, and Los Angeles County. Juarez holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. This position requires Senate confirmation with compensation set at $100 per diem. Juarez is affiliated with the Democratic Party.

Derek Urwin from San Clemente has been appointed to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board. Urwin is an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA since 2022 and Chief Science Advisor at the International Association of Fire Fighters since 2021. His background includes serving as a Firefighter and Engineer at the Los Angeles County Fire Department since 2010 and as a Firefighter with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue from 2007 to 2010. Urwin earned his Doctorate and Master's degrees in Chemistry, along with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics, all from UCLA. This position does not require Senate confirmation, offering compensation of $100 per diem. Urwin is registered without party preference.

Sandra Sims from Los Angeles has been appointed to the Baldwin Hills Conservancy Governing Board. Sims currently works as a Human Resources Business Partner and Personnel Manager for UCLA since 2023, previously holding positions such as Human Resources Manager for Long Beach City College (2021-2023) and Freelance Reporter/Writer (2016-2021). Her experience also includes roles within Los Angeles County's Department of Human Resources. Sims holds a Juris Doctor degree from UC College of Law, San Francisco, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UCLA. This appointment does not require Senate confirmation with compensation set at $100 per diem. Sims is affiliated with the Democratic Party.